Crops department

Feb 15, 2004

Auger fill system

A new auger fill system for John Deere Central Commodity Systems is now available from Rapat Corporation. The system includes an 8-in. auger mounted on a pivot arm that allows the operator to move bulk seed from a truck into the central tank. The auger pivots 45∞ to a compact transport position. It is hydraulically operated to eliminate the need for a loader or forklift to lift large totes.

EPA approves Starane

EPA has approved Starane herbicide from Dow AgroSciences for use in controlling broadleaf weeds in grain sorghum and field and sweet corn. It is effective in controlling kochia and is labeled for other large-seeded broadleaf weeds, including cocklebur, field bindweed, hemp dogbane, ragweed, velvetleaf and wild sunflower.

Seed protection, spray treatments

Agriliance is coming to the market with three new AgriSolutions products to help growers protect their seed at planting and better spray their crops.

Seed protection

The new seed treatment Concur offers systemic seed corn protection at planting, even in wet and cool conditions. The company-applied product contains metalaxyl to protect seed and seedlings against Phythium and imidacloprid to protect from insects.

Spray control

A new adjuvant called Arrow four provides water conditioning and spray drift control for tankmixes. “The crop-based ingredients patented in Arrow four are a perfect match for areas where full rates of ammonium sulfate [AMS] are not required,” says Bob Herzfeld, adjuvants business manager, Agriliance. Arrow four includes an antifoaming agent to save tank mixing and filling time. Plus, the product features a low use rate of 2 to 4 qts./100 gal. of spray solution.

Crop-oil concentrate

The new Superb HC is a patented, highly concentrated crop oil that can be used at half the rate of traditional crop-oil concentrates recommended on pesticide labels, according to Agriliance. The Superb HC rate is about 4 pts./100 gal. of spray solution. Containing high fructose corn syrup, petroleum oil and a nonionic surfactant emulsifier, the new product is compatible with a variety of tankmixes, including glyphosate and clethodim. Superb HC is designed for use with postemergent herbicides that recommend a crop-oil concentrate.